Leo Gonzalez
Associate solicitor
Leo Gonzalez is an associate solicitor in the international department.
Leo is an associate solicitor in the International and Group Claims department. His work focuses on group claims related to environmental harm, consumer protection and human rights
Leo qualified to practice in Colombia where he worked on commercial cases (litigation and advisory work). After relocating, Leo was admitted to practice in England and Wales in 2014.
Thank you very much for all your hard work in bringing the case to a successful conclusion, Leo. We have received and excellent and caring service from you.
Lynne Holman
Legal expertise
Since joining Leigh Day in 2009, Leo has been involved in landmark cases, including:
- Environmental Harm: represented hundreds of farmers who alleged losses following an oil spill in Colombia. His work was crucial to secure a preliminary trial victory (limitation and parent company liability) at the High Court: Amerisur Plc Putumayo Group Litigation [2023] EWHC 122 (KB). Following this victory, the group action settled on a confidential basis.
- Employment Rights (modern-slavery): representing a group of Lithuanians who were subjected to labour exploitation by a British company. Leo helped secure a land-mark High Court judgment regarding the liability of company directors for inducing breaches of contract: Antuzis & others v DJ Houghton Catching Services & others [2019] EWHC 843 (QB) (08 April 2019). He then led preparations for a quantum trial which resulted in significant compensation awarded to his clients: Antuzis v DJ Houghton Catching Services Ltd [2021] EWHC 971 (QB) (23 April 2021)
- Human Rights (injuries and detentions in social protest): represented individuals who allegedly suffered personal injuries and illegal detentions during a public protest in Peru. A number of judgments concerning the scope of e-disclosure were reported (e.g. Daniel Alfredo Condori Vilca & Others V Xstrata Limited & Others [2016] EWHC 1824 (QB)). This group claim was described by The Lawyer as a top 20 case.
- Human rights (financial exploitation): Leo settled a claim on behalf of an adult with learning disabilities who allegedly was financially exploited by his carers. This case was settled out of court on confidential terms.
- Consumer Protection: Leo has also conducted multiple investigations into claims concerning financial mis-selling, negligent professional advice and breaches of competition law. He led an investigation into a potential claim on behalf of customers of heat networks affected by high energy tariffs.
Leo has a special interest in human rights in Latin America. He has worked with communities displaced by violence in Colombia, to promote awareness of their rights. He has also spoken at events on business and human rights in the region.
His experience as a leaseholder impacted by the cladding scandal and high heat tariffs bolstered his commitment to consumer protection.
Leo holds a Bachelor of Jurisprudence (Honours) from Rosario University in Colombia, a Master in International Commercial Law from Bournemouth University, and a Graduate Diploma in Law from Birmingham University.
He is a native Spanish speaker and understands Portuguese (reading and listening competence).
Legal case between Amerisur Resources Ltd and Colombia campesinos settled
The proceedings in the UK High Court between the claimants, campesinos living in the Putumayo region of Colombia and UK-based Amerisur Resources Ltd have been settled satisfactorily on a confidential basis, on payment of a monetary sum.